'Dabinett' probably dates from the early 1900s, when it was found by William Dabinett growing as a wilding (a natural seedling) in a hedge at Middle Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset.^[1] The exact genetic makeup of Dabinett is unknown, though one 'parent' was probably the Chisel Jersey apple, a similar late "bittersweet" variety. The variety became very popular and was widely planted across the south-west of England.

A seedling of this variety, known as 'Black Dabinett', also locally known as 'Tommy Rodford', arose at Kingsbury Episcopi near Martock.^[2] It is similar to 'Dabinett' proper but is purplish in colour and generally more vigorous.

Classed as a "bittersweet" cider apple, 'Dabinett' has small, yellow-green fruit flecked with red, usually harvested in November in the United Kingdom. The flesh is greenish and aromatic. The tree has a relatively small and spreading habit; it has a high resistance to apple scab and canker. Acid content 0.18%

The fruit is of sufficient quality to make a single varietal cider. Several cider manufacturers, including Thatchers and Sheppy's, use 'Dabinett' apples in their products.^{[citation needed]}

• "Cider apple variety: Dabinett". New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2015-11-15.
• "Dabinett", National Fruit Collection, University of Reading and Brogdale Collections, retrieved 18 October 2015